Canadian Career & Culture Wednesdays: Building Trust at Work Through Incidental Proximity

In this week’s issue

• Building Trust at Work Through Incidental Proximity 

• Phrases to Stop People-Pleasing at Work

• Newcomer-Friendly Job Listings

• Canadian Culture Highlight

• Things to Do Around You

  
  

Career Corner

Building Trust at Work Through Incidental Proximity 

When we ask former newcomers for their best advice, one thing always comes up: networking.

But let’s be honest—this might not be what you want to hear. Some of you may be introverted, while others just aren’t excited about starting your network from scratch.

Amy from HackYourHR recently shared a great tip on incidental proximity at work—small, natural moments that help you build connections over time.

Here’s what she suggests:
✅ Take routes through high-traffic areas where you're likely to run into colleagues.
✅ When you see someone (even the CEO!), introduce yourself with confidence: “Hi [name], I’m Susan from marketing. Just wanted to say hello—happy to be part of the team!”
✅ The next time you see them, reinforce the connection: “Hi [name], Susan from marketing—good to see you again.”

What do you do if you work 100% remotely? 

You could try a Slack group where people share hobbies and podcasts, or even suggest meetups. 

Ultimately, opportunities, ideas, and solutions come from interacting with people. You never know how these small ways of putting yourself out there may pay off in the long run. 

Learn the Lingo

Phrases to stop people-pleasing at work

People-pleasing—a sneaky, seemingly harmless habit. You think you’re just being helpful, but suddenly, you’re skipping lunch to finish someone else’s work and staying late while everyone else has already logged off. You say yes so often that your own deadlines slip, your stress levels spike, and your time stops feeling like your own. Sound familiar?

Erin McGoff, also known as AdviceWithErin, has come to the rescue with a few “sneaky” phrases to help you set boundaries without guilt. Here are a few of our favourites and why they’re brilliant:

✅ I’d love to help, but I can’t right now.
It acknowledges the request with warmth while firmly shutting down the expectation that you’re always available.

✅ I’m unavailable after 5 p.m. Can we meet at 9 a.m.?
It makes your boundary clear while offering a reasonable alternative, putting the ball in their court.

✅ I can’t get into this right now. Can we meet to discuss this later?
It prevents you from being ambushed and forced into on-the-spot decisions while showing you’re still engaged—on your terms.

✅ I can’t do X, but I can do Z.
It keeps you in control by shifting the focus to what you can do rather than what you can’t, making it harder for people to push back.

FIND YOUR PATH TO CANADA TODAY

Planning to move to Canada but unsure where to start?
The Canadian immigration system can be complex but with Immigration.ca, you can trust our expertise to guide you through every step of the process. Book a consultation with Immigration.ca, Canada’s longest-standing online immigration platform, founded by Colin R. Singer. As a licensed immigration lawyer with over 35 years of experience, Colin offers expert guidance on Express Entry, PNPs, family sponsorships, start-up visa, business visas and more. Our platform provides comprehensive resources and personalized strategies for individuals and families seeking permanent residency. Consultations are conducted privately via Google Meet, or WhatsApp. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward your Canadian journey!

Newcomer-Friendly Job Listings

• Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Assistant, Langford, BC

• Long Haul Truck Driver, Calgary, AB

• Logistics Coordinator, Etobicoke, ON

• Software Developer, Kleinburg, ON

• Emergency Physician, Peterborough, ON

• Hotel Clerk Supervisor, St. André, NB

• Digital Marketing Coordinator, West Vancouver, BC

• Speech-Language Pathologist, Surrey, BC

• Occupational Therapist (OT), Victoria, BC

• Construction Schedule Coordinator, Bolton, ON

Canadian Culture Highlight

What are some things we should be thanking Canada for?

Canadian content creator Joseph DeBenedictis recently made a list of things that we should hilariously “thank Canada for”. Here are a few of our favourites. 

📺 The house hippo: This famous Canadian public service announcement from the '90s showed a tiny "house hippo" roaming kitchens and bedrooms, teaching kids to think critically about what they see on TV.

🥧 Butter tarts: A beloved Canadian dessert, these sweet, gooey pastries have been a staple of Canadian kitchens for generations. Their exact origins are debated, but they’re undoubtedly a national treasure.

🍹Ceasars: This uniquely Canadian cocktail, made with Clamato juice, vodka, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, was invented in Calgary in 1969 and remains a brunch staple across the country.

🥛Milk in bags: While confusing to outsiders, bagged milk is a common sight in Canadian households, especially in Ontario and Quebec, thanks to its eco-friendly packaging and easy storage.

🧀 Kraft Dinner: Known simply as "KD" in Canada, this boxed macaroni and cheese is a childhood (and university student) favourite, with Canadians consuming more per capita than any other country.

💡The light bulb: While Thomas Edison often gets the credit, Canadian inventor Henry Woodward patented an early version of the incandescent light bulb in 1874 before selling the rights to Edison

📞 The telephone: Alexander Graham Bell, who spent much of his life in Canada, invented the telephone in 1876, revolutionizing communication worldwide.

Things to Do Around You

In Toronto, the Canadian Film Fest celebrates independent Canadian cinema with feature films, shorts, and industry panels. This year’s lineup includes award-winning films and exclusive premieres. March 24–29, 2025.

In Toronto, Spring Feast: Taiwanese Burrito Night & Tea House offers a hands-on culinary experience with traditional Taiwanese spring rolls and oolong tea tastings. Enjoy a flavorful journey through Taiwanese culture. March 28, 2025.

In Toronto, the Frozen T-Shirt Contest challenges participants to thaw and wear a frozen shirt the fastest. Cheer on competitors and enjoy the fun every Friday night at Offworld Bar. March 28, 2025.

In Vanier, just minutes from downtown Ottawa, the Vanier Sugar Festival celebrates maple syrup season with sugar shack meals, live music, Indigenous cultural presentations, and family-friendly fun. Enjoy this sweet tradition at Richelieu Park. March 29–30, 2025.

Ottawa’s VERSeFest returns March 25–29, 2025, celebrating poetry in English and French with award-winning performers. Experience readings, performances, and book signings at iconic venues across the city. Free & ticketed events available.

In Winnipeg, Latin Sundays at The Forks Market bring the rhythm of Latin culture with music, dance, food, and performances. Join Habanero Sombrero and Friends of the Cuban Arts for a lively evening every Sunday. February 2–March 30, 2025.

In Winnipeg, Learn About Polar Bears with CPAWS at Assiniboine Park Zoo offers a chance to explore Gateway to the Arctic and engage in fun activities while learning about polar bears and other Arctic species. Join them on select dates from January 5 to March 30, 2025